Suikoden is a RPG set in a mediaeval fantasy world, where you are
cast as the spoilt son of the ruler over the Scarlet Moon Empire.
As trouble looms on the borders of the Empire, you are drafted
into the Imperial Army where the plot unfolds that you see that
your fathers corrupt reign through the eyes of his subjects and
that the beloved Empire is in fact run in a barbaric and sadistic
way, with the citizens receiving harsh and brutal treatment.
Whose side should you take? Stay loyal to your corrupt leader
or betray your father and take charge of a band of rebels who
will rise against the Empire.
Suikoden is a game about responsibilities and decision making
but handled in an easy going way, with a touch of humor and charm.
The game is structured into a series of sub quests which gather
into the overall picture. You must guide your character around
the various locations, conversing with people and examining
objects, while not forgetting to equip yourself with armor
and weapons, as in Suikoden, there is a hell of a lot fighting
to partake in.
Your band of rebels can hold up to six members, with each
having their individual strength, speed and skill, which
grows with each excursion into battle. You will find that
the groups make-up will constantly change as new friends join
or old acquaintances are re-enlisted. With the 180 potential
recruits you will meet throughout the course of the game, you
will discover that their ability and trades will help you to
decide whether to enlist them or not as you will meet engineers,
merchants, artists, gamblers, librarians and minstrels, with
companions resting in your castle until required.
Suikodens world is colossal, featuring many towns, cities,
castles and dungeons and when you are confronted by a monster
or a group of bandits, the screen will dissolve and you will
be whisked away to a combat screen where you will have to decide
if you will fight, flee or bribe the enemy. You may select to
battle one on one or army upon army, and if you wish to fight,
then you will give each of your troops an order of when and
how to fight, defend or cast a spell as the battles are all
turnbased. Once each member has completed their orders, the
cycle begins again until one side is victorious.

Comment

Apart from the fighting scenes, Suikoden is no great
looker and could easily be mistaken for a 16 bit RPG, but the
thousands of possible stories and massive gameplay will
undoubtedly convert many to trade their bomber jackets in
for an Anorak